Electric Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz Confirms Launch of First Diesel-Electric Hybrid Later in 2010

MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz' E300 BlueTec hybrid, the carmaker's first ever diesel-electric hybrid car, will soon be launched. Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the hybrid will arrive at European showrooms early in 2011.

Powering the BlueTec is a specially tuned twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine from the E250 CDI. Mercedes-Benz claims that the car is capable of more than 56mpg. It will share many of its hybrid components with the S400 hybrid, including the lithium ion battery pack and electric motor.

The initial sales of the S400 hybrid delighted Mercedes-Benz. This vehicle currently accounts for around 15 percent of all S-class sales in Germany. Mercedes-Benz wants to develop plug-in hybrid and electric propulsion systems alongside traditional combustion engines for at least the next 20 years. All future Mercedes will be underpinned by modular platforms which can house all three powertrain options. These were previewed in Geneva's F800 Style Concept car.